Collapsible step ladder



March 20, 1962 c. v. SMITH COLLAPSIBLE STEP LADDER Filed May 12, 1961INVENTOR {helm/v 5M7 ATTORNEY5 3,025,924 CGLLAPSIBLE STEP LADDER CarltonV. Smith, 11115 SW. 78th, Tigard, Oreg- Filed May 12, 1961, Ser. No.109,643 1 Claim. (Cl. 182-156) This invention relates to a collapsiblestep ladder, and has as its primary object the provision of a stepladder particularly adapted for exit and entrance to house trailers,pick-up coaches, or the like, provided with foldable steps, and foldableside pieces so that the device can be stored in a relatively compactspace.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a deviceprovided with attaching hooks at the upper end thereof to secure thesame to the level of the trailer or the like, the hooks being adjustedlongitudinally to accommodate minor variations in height and angularityof the steps of the ladder.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device of thischaracter wherein the step members are countersunk to the front of theladder to provide a smooth front.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an improvedfoldable step ladder which is sturdy and durable in construction,reliable and efiicient in operation, and relatively simple andinexpensive to manufacture and utilize.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangementsof parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fullypointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawingwherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one form of device embodying thisinventive concept shown in operative position.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along theline 2-2 of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along theline 3-3 of FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a constructional detail,and

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the latter shown in folded or storageposition.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawings in detail, the ladder of theinstant invention is generally indicated at and includes a pair ofcomplementary side rails, each generally indicated at 11. Each side railis comprised of a front portion 12 and a rear portion 13, which portionsare connected along a longitudinal line by hinges 14, so that theportions 13 may fold inwardly relative to the portions 12 as best shownin FIGURE 5. Transversely extending rungs 15 extend between and connectthe front portions 12, the rungs being countersunk and beveled asindicated at 16 to impart a smooth front surface. Steps 17 are hinged toeach rung 15 as by means of hinges 18, and stop portions 19 and 20 areprovided in aligned angular relation on members 12 3,025,924 PatentedMar. 20, 1962 and 13, respectively, to support the steps in the positionshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the ladder is in operativ position.

The arrangement is thus such that with the ladder in the position shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, the steps and the side rails are positioned inoperative condition, with the steps in parallel alignment and supportedon the supporting blocks 20 to provide an effective and usable ladder.When, however, it is desired to fold the ladder for storage, or when notin use, the steps 17 are swung upwardly to the dotted line positionshown in FIG. 2, or the full line position shown in FIG. 3 so that theyrest entirely within the confines of the front section 12. The rearsections 13 are then folded inwardly as shown in FIG. 5, thus materiallyreducing the overall width of the ladder, and allowing it to be storedin a minimum space.

Means are provided for varying the effective length of the ladder, andtake the form of slide plates 25, which are provided at theirextremities with hook portions 26 which engage over the floor of thetrailer or other article to which the device is to be applied. Eachplate 25, as best shown in FIG. 4, has a longitudinally extending slot27 therein through which extends a guide bolt 28, permitting linearmovement of the plate 25 to vary the extension of the hooks 26 above theside rails 11. A set screw 30 is provided with a wing nut 31 forclampingly engaging the plates 25 and holding them in a selectedposition of adjustment.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided animproved foldable step ladder which accomplishes all the objects of thisinvention, and others, including many advantages of great practicalutility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as manymodifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown anddescribd, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to beinterpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: a

A collapsible step ladder comprising a first pair 0 elongated side railsdisposed in spaced parallel relation to each other, spaced rungs rigidlyconnecting said side rails and disposed intermediate the ends thereof,steps hingedly secured to said rungs, stop members secured to each ofsaid side rails adjacent said rungs, a second pair of elongated siderails hingedly secured to said first pair of side rails co-planartherewith, stop members secured to each of said second pair of siderails in alignment with the stop members on said first pair of siderails, said steps supported by said stop members when the ladder is inan erected position, said steps vertically foldable in general alignmentwith said rungs, said second pair of side rails foldable to overlie saidfolded steps, and extensible hook members on said second pair of siderails to engage the structure to which the ladder is applied.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,851,312 Hoff Sept. 9, 1958

